FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Scotland boss Gordon Strachan has been thwarted in his attempts to make Motherwell's Tom Hateley a Scotland player. (Record)

Hearts legend Donald Ford has urged supporters to grasp a "life-changing" opportunity by backing the Foundation of Hearts' bid for the troubled Edinburgh club. (Record)

Virgil van Dijk (left) is interesting Celtic

Dunfermline boss Jim Jefferies insists the Scottish football authorities are wrong to deduct points from clubs who enter administration because it punishes players rather than the men responsible. (Various)

Former Dundee Utd star Johnny Russell - now at Derby County - believes the English Championship is a better standard than the SPL. (Record)

Former Hears goalkeeper Henry Smith says the Tynecastle club must ensure prospective buyers have money to save the Jambos - or risk another Vladimir Romanov-style meltdown. (Various)

Lee McCulloch has welcomed the arrival of Dundee Utd's Jon Daly at Ibrox even though the Irishman could take his place in the Rangers first-team. (Various)

New Wigan boss Owen Coyle hopes to retain Scotland star Shaun Maloney as he aims to secure promotion to the Premier League next season. (Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP

Andy Murray says he is in "a good place" one week ahead of Wimbledon following his victory at Queen's Club. (Herald)